Assessment of human health risk for lyme disease in a peri-urban park in southern Québec

Abstract

Introduction: climate change has contributed to the spread of the hard tick Ixodes scapularis into increasingly northern latitudes, and subsequently has caused the spread of the lyme dis-ease causing bacterium, Borrelia burdorferi, into these northern areas. The spread of these ticks into the region of southern Québec is highly likely within the near future. As a result, new human populations are being exposed to these ticks and are at risk for contracting lyme disease. intent: This exploratory study examines the spatial and behavioral factors associated with human activity in longueuil regional park in relation to risk for lyme disease. Methods: we conducted exit surveys of park-goers to determine spatial and behavioral patterns of park use, as well as lyme disease awareness. results and conclusion: we found higher awareness of ticks in female park-goers, park-goers over 50, and high-frequency park-goers. our results, importantly, imply a discrepancy between peoples' awareness of tick bite precautions, and their perception of tick bite risk. we hope that these findings may help future research on the spread of lyme disease into Canada, as well as in the formulation of public health policy.